|
Post by Pandagirl on Dec 7, 2016 0:04:18 GMT
Interesting Zara. I'd think the locks would be the selling point."
|
|
|
Post by zara on Dec 7, 2016 0:15:12 GMT
I guess people around here are more practical minded. They liked the idea, but couldn't envision when they would wear them.
|
|
|
Post by Teri Berry on Dec 14, 2016 23:37:32 GMT
This year I have sold mostly hats but that is probably a reflection of half my stock being hats, the simple berets and other hats under £50 have been flying off the shelves. I've noticed that I only ever sell wall hangings on Etsy, I haven't sold a single one at a fair. I agree with Zara, take a range of price points and types of goods to each market, unless it is a market geared towards a specific customer (e.g. a hat festival) you just don't know what they might be looking for and if you don't have an example on display they probably won't ask. Definitely focus on making what you get most enjoyment from, the last thing you want is for it to become a chore, I'm sure we could all earn a better living at something we don't enjoy half as much!
|
|
|
Post by lyn on Dec 15, 2016 8:21:44 GMT
Annie and I made the most profit by selling through a gallery. One of the gallery owners told us that they had a customer who regularly made a trip across two counties (by taxi!) to view and buy items - and there's the difference - gallery customers appreciate and are prepared to pay for handmade items.
|
|
|
Post by dottyhen on Dec 26, 2017 21:06:56 GMT
I find it really difficult to tell what is going to sell at fairs. Ruffled scarves did quite well for me last year so I made several for a fair this year, and only sold one! It didn’t help that there were a couple of other similar sized fairs in the area on that day. And although I enjoyed making the first few scarves, it was much less fun making loads of them. I totally agree with everyone who says concentrate on the things you enjoy making. Unfortunately I have yet to find a market for the hats and bags that I enjoy making, as they take longer and need to be priced that bit higher as a result. People tend to look and say how lovely my items are, but not actually buy anything!
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Dec 26, 2017 21:17:05 GMT
Do you have galleries around that might be willing to sell your hats and bags? Higher end items usually sell better in a gallery. Or at high end craft shows. You don't want to be competing against "flea market" type items.
|
|
|
Post by dottyhen on Dec 26, 2017 21:57:04 GMT
I need to look and see if there are any galleries but I’m not very good approaching people and trying to promote my stuff. The more upmarket fairs hat I know about tend to be on for a couple of days, which requires a lot of stock and a bit too risky when you don’t know what will sell. I’m coming round to the viewpoint that I’m better to stick with online., make things I enjoy making, ...and not to expect to make my living from it. I don’t have the energy to spend lots of time promoting myself on all the social media channels either!
|
|
|
Post by MTRuth on Dec 26, 2017 22:35:58 GMT
It does take a lot of work to make a living from making things. Lots of what you have to do is promoting yourself, social media and doing things that aren't really that fun
|
|
|
Post by lyn on Dec 26, 2017 23:14:36 GMT
I need to look and see if there are any galleries but I’m not very good approaching people and trying to promote my stuff. The more upmarket fairs hat I know about tend to be on for a couple of days, which requires a lot of stock and a bit too risky when you don’t know what will sell. I’m coming round to the viewpoint that I’m better to stick with online., make things I enjoy making, ...and not to expect to make my living from it. I don’t have the energy to spend lots of time promoting myself on all the social media channels either! If you're happy with online selling then do carry on, but don't worry about approaching gallery owners - they need stock to sell so they will be willing to look at what you have to offer. It might be an idea to phone first to make an appointment - then you won't have to worry about your timing being inconvenient.
|
|
|
Post by tracey on Dec 27, 2017 7:25:36 GMT
Jane I have been felting since August 2016 and I have only began to try to sell in the last few months.
I am not online as yet, that may be one for the future I will have to see. As for approaching galleries, well let me tell you I was a complete bag of nerves in the beginning! Lyn is right, ring them or email first, I have done both. Just say something like 'Hello I'm Jane and I'm a wet felt artist, I make .......and I was wondering if it would be something you could showcase in your gallery?' They may say send some images of your work. If you prefer the email approach, email the same introduction and say,' would you like me to send a few images of my work?' On the whole gallery owners need you as much as you want them! I may have approached maybe ten galleries now and I have gained confidence. I was lucky in a way, I approached a complete ogre on day one, so the rest have seemed like pussycats!!
If it's the thought of a gallery that you find daunting, are there any art cafes by you?, or even tea rooms? An establishment may not sell any crafts because they had not thought of it, I could see your scarves on display in a nice tea room, folk have come in from the cold for a cuppa, and there is a cozy scarf to buy!
Please consider the gallery approach, it has worked for me.
|
|